Now you can support Nebraska Family Council financially through our web site.

Nebraska Family Council
1106 E Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-3511

Phone: 402-477-3191
Toll Free: 1-888-777-5188

Prayer Walking Basics

PRAYER-WALKING IS INTERCESSION ON LOCATON WITH INFORMATION IN COOPERATION, AGAINST OPPOSTION, FOR GLORIFICATION


Prayer-walking is a method of intercessory prayer that involves walking while praying on location. Praying on-site with insight! As prayer-walkers we must be in right relationship with God before beginning such a strategic assignment. As you prayer walk you notice your surroundings and pray with your five senses

Prayer-walking is simply a "hands on and feet in motion" form of intercession. "As you walk and pray you will be a person of secret influence, interceding to the Father, in the Name of the Son, with the Holy Spirit to the One who works where no man can work, who accomplishes tasks beyond man's ability to accomplish, and who gains glory where man see no glory. God will respond to your intercessions, not because He has too, but because He has chosen to do so" according to Dan Crawford.

Prayer-walking has been part of Christian heritage for many centuries. The British countryside has many long distance paths used by monks and other travelers from one cathedral city to another. The Bible links walking with God's promises on several occasions: Noah is described as "walking with God", Abraham was told to walk the land, for "I am giving it to you". Joshua was told "I will give every place where you set your foot as I promised Moses".

Born To Battle by Arthur Matthews defines prayer as the cutting edge for any work of God to be manifested. As we prayer walk strategic places of influence, may God open doors for his kingdom to come in!

Prayer-walking Is Intercession On Location.

"Location" is the utmost value to the prayer-walker. Location allows you to see, feel, touch and pray with more intensity. An additional value of location-praying has to do with presence. As believers our prayer-walking provides light in dark places and salt in unsavory places (Matthew 5:13-16).

Often the location of your prayer-walking will be in enemy territory. As Christians we have lost our home-field advantage. The enemy and his influence will be obvious to you as you prayer-walk. Remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. Prayer-walks serve as a saturation point. The intercession is changing the spiritual environment.

Possible on-site prayer walk locations:

  1. Government buildings- local, state and national levels.

  2. Schools and Public Educational Administrative Offices

  3. Business Areas

  4. Hospitals

  5. Neighborhoods, especially where there is no evangelical presence

  6. High places, such as mountains or tall buildings where you can get perspective of the area.

  7. Churches or locations for possible new-church starts.

  8. Sites of other religions, false religions, sect groups or cults.

  9. Higher education learning facilities.


Prayer-Walking Is Intercession on Location With Information

It is helpful if you do some research on the location you will be prayer-walking. Information will allow for more informed praying.Helpful information to assist you while prayer-walking may include:
  1. Demographic information of racial and ethnic population as well as socioeconomic needs.

  2. Religious presence, as well as needs, in the area

  3. Names of individuals who have influence in the area you are prayer-walking.

  4. Spiritual opposition.

  5. Corporate repentance - have there been any sins committed in this area that need to be confessed.


Helpful ways to find the best sources of information:
  1. Observe human environments and behavior -- what type of fruit is being produced?

  2. Conduct interviews. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

  3. Examine print and media materials.

  4. Listen to God in prayer.


Investigation is an important part of the spiritual mapping process. This is because crucial information is often hidden. Prayer is vital to revealing information! Remember, God does speak if we will listen.

Helpful questions to ask while searching for quality information:
  1. Who would know?

  2. Who would care?

  3. Who would care enough to put it in print?


Finding good sources also involves waiting upon God. Nobody knows better than He where community secrets and strongholds are kept.

INFORMATION + INTERCESSION + IMPARTATION = INTERVENTION

Prayer-Walking Is Intercession On Location With Information In Cooperation

Matthew 18: 19-20 is a scripture that speaks of cooperation. "I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."

The word agree is the Greek word sumphoneo used for musical instruments that harmonize even though they are not the same. Prayer walking involves praying in concert. Praying in agreement with the others on your prayer walk is essential. Team harmony is an absolute must. Amos stated, "Can two walk together unless they agreed?" Obedience to God's will is a key to the success of a prayer-walk. Our personal lives must be in current fellowship with the Lord and right relationship with others.

Prayer-Walking Is Intercession On Location With Information In Cooperation
Against Opposition

The very existence of Satan suggests opposition. The most common biblical name used for this enemy, Satan, means adversary or opposer. Not only is he an opposer, Satan gets extremely angry when you are involved in any activity, like intercessory prayer, that may eventually cause people to transfer their membership from his kingdom to the Kingdom of God. He has "blinded the minds of the unbelieving"(II Corinthians 4:4) and does not appreciate your attempts to have them enlightened. At some point in your prayer-walking you will likely be able to say with Paul, "Satan hindered us" (I Thessalonians 2:18). Satan will use any means possible to convince you that you are wasting you time and energy.

During times of prayer-walking I have had the enemy try to convince me that it is not producing any viable results. I have seen doubts come to others that the prayer team is not as committed as you. Beware that Satan will try to disrupt the team's unity or bring in outside adversity or distractions.

Review your spiritual weapons before you begin your prayer-walk. II Corinthians 10:3-4 states, "Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. An effective warrior comes to battle prepared. Have your spiritual armor on. Ephesians 6 clearly illustrates our needed protection to stand firm.

Prayer-Walking Is Intercession On Location With Information
In Cooperation Against Opposition For Glorification

Our motive in prayer-walking must be that God be glorified. As results begin to materialize, don't allow pride to enter in. Remember, the Lord is the one we want to be exalted. Allow your heart to be overwhelmed by the goodness of God. Continually offer praise to Jesus for answered prayers. "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth" -- Psalms108:5

Prayer-walking is usually a low-profile affair. We are vessels who are allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through us. God's Spirit is simply helping us to pray with persistent spontaneity in the midst of the very settings in which we expect Him to answer our prayers. We are preparing the way of the Lord…..inviting His presence to ignite the area we are praying for.
Prayer-Walking Basics

  • Obtain a Vision

  • Gather Research Information

  • Prepare Your Heart

  • Impart Your Vision To Others

  • Lay The Foundation In Prayer

  • Get Started-Pick A Time And Place

  • Brief The Team -- Designate Assignments

  • Pray On-Site With Insight -- Open Your Eyes

  • Pray Clearly And Audibly

  • Pray Scripture

  • Pray With Relevance

  • Incorporate Listening Prayer -- God's Revelation Knowledge

  • Focus On God -- Be Worshipful

  • Regather And Report

  • Be Patient -- Refreshed By His Presence


"So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one." [Ezekiel 22:30]

"I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, Who shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent." [Isaiah 62:6]

PRAYER-WALKING IS SATURATION PRAYING….PREPARING THE WAY OF THE LORD!
"God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be and the mightier the forces against evil everywhere. Prayer, in one phase of its operation, is a disinfectant and a preventive. It purifies the air; it destroys the contagion of evil".
(Nineteenth century classic on prayer by E.M. Bounds, Purpose In Prayer)



Information from: Prayer-Walking by Steve Hawthorne and Graham Kendrick
Prayer-Walk, Prayer Journey by Dan R. Crawford Informed Intercession by George Otis, Jr.




Compiled by Karen Bowling, Nebraska Family Council